We are currently working on our 19ft Escape build sheet and we're wondering what a surge protector does. We decided not to go a/c or have a roof mounted solar panel so is the surge protector necessary?

Read many forum threads today and still have some questions...... Is there any insulation to a new build? Don't understand extra insulation costs.... We also prefer having a breeze through the windows, should we forgo frame less windows? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

We are currently working on our 19ft Escape build sheet and we're wondering what a surge protector does. We decided not to go a/c or have a roof mounted solar panel so is the surge protector necessary?

Read many forum threads today and still have some questions...... Is there any insulation to a new build? Don't understand extra insulation costs.... We also prefer having a breeze through the windows, should we forgo frame less windows? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ��

We opted for a surge protector on our 2015 Escape 19. Sure glad we did. While staying in a regional park near Oakland, CA we had some voltage irregularities which the surge protector detected and shut down the electrical system, thus protecting our electric and electronic devices from possible destruction. Campgrounds are often situated in rural areas near the end of the electric grid and thus are susceptible to voltage fluctuations beyond what can be tolerated by electric and/or electronic devices.

Unless you carry various electrical testers, the EMS or electrical monitoring system protects your trailer from connecting to miswired cg electrical outlets and once connected, any over/under voltage issues plus spikes or surges. Electricity is like a river, it can increase or decrease flow as well as have debris floating in the water, the EMS keeps your trailer free of these changes. If you did go with solar then you would not have to hook up up to electric as much.

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JimThe two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why………..Mark Twain

By my rough calculations the awning style windows have about 82% of the sliding window capacity but some HVAC guy or a smarty-pants should do some calculations. While the air flow is less per window with the awning style, it also includes two rear opening windows that should more than compensate for the sliders' advantage. I don't believe this is an sliding option. Another advantage to the awning windows is that you can leave them open in the rain.

The bottom spray foam insulation keeps the bottom cooler in summer (ie heat build up while driving on hot asphalt) and warmer in the cooler months. I think our dog sleeps better since we upgraded and that means that we sleep better too.

You can never have too much insulation but you can do just fine without it. Our first trailer had standard windows and standard insulation because we just reached a melting point in our expenditure. It was fine but we had condensation on the windows and the floor was a little cool in the mornings. The second time around we just included everything. A big consideration for insulation and air conditioning is where (Tuscon, Whitehorse, Galiano, Fairbanks?) and when (summer, fall, spring?) you will be camping.

The biggest advantage of the double glazed windows is the condensation. You'll never notice any real difference in temperature since the R-value gain is minimal. Some people claim there is a reduction in sound. This is true, but they have to be closed for them to work. I like oxygen too much

You'll only need the surge suppressor (protects against both low voltage as well as surges) if you are operating a high draw motor such as an air conditioner or have sensitive electronics, and I'm doubtful that most electronics would be seriously affected. It depends on your risk level. Apparently some campgrounds are wired by novices and you can end up with reverse polarity. This could happen in a small town hotel as well. Again, it depends upon your risk aversion. Of course the campground operator would be liable for any damage caused by faulty wiring.

Reversed polarity is a fire hazard because the breakers end up on the neutral side and won't necessarily function properly. Of course having a short inside the trailer is extremely unlikely, but that's what the surge protector is meant for other than to absorb surge's. Open ground is another condition it can check which can be be dangerous if you have a short within an appliance and the wire is touching the metal enclosure of the appliance. This is more likely and a functioning earth ground would cause the breaker to trip before that condition happens.